Jury comment
This new mass public transport system is integrated with a 12-kilometre linear public domain upgrade in the heart of Sydney, creating an urban corridor of high quality and amenity. The landscape architect has been instrumental in enhancing the city fabric so that each section through which the light rail passes responds to its context. Communities are provided with pedestrian-focused infrastructure along the route and at each of the precincts that it connects. Elements include moveable or reprogrammable planter boxes that function as safety devices, dividing spaces gently and guiding people – equitably and comfortably – on a monumental scale. Street trees have also been incorporated along the entirety of the line. By significantly reducing the volume of private vehicles in these centres, this integrated public domain and light rail project plays an important role as a catalyst for active transport, making the urban realm a better place for people.
CBD and South East Light Rail – NSW is located in Sydney, New South Wales on the land of the Bidjigal (Bedegal) and Gadigal People of the Eora Nation.
Project credits
Design practice Aspect Studios with Grimshaw Architects and City of Sydney, on behalf of Transport for NSW, supported by Randwick City Council Collaborators Jacobs and GHD; Cardno; Alstom; Elecrolight; GML Heritage Photographer Florian Groehn
To view all the winners of the 2021 National Landscape Architecture Awards, go here.
